Joe Perry Reacts To Aerosmith Canceling Shows Over Politics

Published » 2014-06-29 07:00:10

Aerosmith guitarist Joe Perry says that the band canceled their gig scheduled for Kiev, Ukraine on July 2 after the country has been destabilized by internal strife. A rep for the promoter confirmed the cancelation through an official statement:

"With much regret we have decided to cancel the Aerosmith show in Kiev on July 2nd. It is impossible to produce this show in Ukraine while there is civil war. We can't ensure safety to the artists, crew and the audience. We can't ensure safety of the equipment."

According to Perry, "It was the first time we've had to cancel because of politics."

The band also had to cancel a May concert in Turkey after 300 died in a mining disaster:

"It was a drag we couldn't play because of the mining disaster, it was a national day of mourning."